The drama in Newcastle United’s dugout is almost as compelling as what is playing out on the pitch under Rafa Benitez – as you can see from our video of the touchline fireworks since the Spaniard has taken charge.

Our video proves that Benitez kicks, cajoles, coerces and lives every minute as United boss. He really is proving to be the twelfth man for Newcastle as they battle the dreaded Premier League drop .

It’s perhaps of little surprise that Benitez is taking such a hands-on role at Newcastle, having earned himself a reputation as someone who likes to stamp his imprint on the clubs he manages.

But it is also a reflection of an inexperienced United team that lacks a bit of on-field leadership at times. Newcastle have been crying out for someone to take them by the scruff of their necks and Benitez seems to be that man – literally talking them through the game at times.

Gary Neville once called it devolved intelligence and said it was the mark of a good side when they can react to what is going on in games by falling back on their experience and know-how. United don’t have much of that – see the amount of times they have collapsed this season – but Benitez is attempting to make up for it with his touchline antics.

It makes for compelling theatre from the sidelines, as you can see from our video.